Golden Knights Keep Rolling In Preseason With 7-2 Win In L.A.

HOW IT WENT DOWN
The Golden Knights top line of William Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault had a major influence on the game from the first drop of the puck. Karlsson buried the first goal of the game at 5:16 of the first period with assists from Marchessault and Smith. Only 14 seconds later, Daniel Carr netted another goal for Vegas to make it 2-0. Smith was in the right place at the right time as Karlsson set up Marchessault for a shot that hit Smith and went in to put Vegas up 3-0. Early in the second period, Marchessault wired home his third goal of the preseason with assists from Smith and Karlsson, increasing the lead to 4-0. Jeff Carter put L.A. on the board, but Marchessault answered again to put the Golden Knights up 5-1. Eight minutes later, Nic Hague beat Jonathan Quick five-hole and Vegas went into the second intermission up 6-1. Ilya Kovalchuk cut the Vegas lead to 6-2 in the third period but Keegan Kolesar's last minute goal sent the Golden Knights off the Staples Center ice with a 7-2 win.

TOP PERFORMERS
Reilly Smith: Smith tallied the game-winning goal and racked up three assists in his first game of the preseason.
Jonathan Marchessault: For the second time in the preseason, Marchessault hit the back of the net twice. He also chipped in two assists.
William Karlsson: Karlsson opened the scoring in the first period and dished out two helpers.
Nic Hague: The big defenseman picked up a goal and an assist in his second game of the preseason.
FROM THE ROOMGerard Gallant
On outscoring opponents 19-5 through three preseason games...
I'd like to say it feels great, it's preseason. Don't get me wrong - I like winning the hockey games and every game is important when you play the game.
On the success of the Karlsson, Smith and Marchessault line...
They're good hockey players and we all know that between them from last year. They made some great plays, great passes and a couple of great plays on two-on-ones. It does surprise me, but it doesn't.